2014 | Page 2 of 9 | Folk Roots Radio

The Hello Strangers – The Interview

Nov 10 2014

The Hello Strangers are sisters Larissa Chace-Smith and Brechyn Chace. They come from rural Pennsylvania and write wonderful roots songs with an earthy Appalachian feel and fabulous harmonies that can chill you to the bone. They describe their music as original Pennsyltucky Fried Sister Folk which is a fair approximation of how ‘it’ makes you feel. These girls have it, in spades. Their first full-length, self-titled album is already among our favourite albums of 2014. We caught up with them at home in Pennsylvania. Photo: Ryan Smith Photography. Music: The Hello Strangers, “The World Knows Far Better”, “What It Takes To Break A Heart” and “Runaway” from “The Hello Strangers” (2014, IMI)

The Shoeless at Magnolia

Nov 09 2014

“The Shoeless” are Frank Evans (Slocan Ramblers) on banjo, Eli Bender (Hale and Hearty) on cello and Emilyn Stam (Lemon Bucket Orkestra, Beneath the Ice, Eh?!, Té) on fiddle. They’ll be in Guelph on Thursday November 13 for a show at Magnolia Café at 8 p.m. Their music is a blend of traditional and original tunes/songs, with influences from klezmer, celtic, old time, french, bluegrass and more … they describe it as Bela Fleck meets Bela Bartok in Appalachia! The show starts at 8 p.m. The cover is $10. Magnolia Café is a licensed cafe and restaurant that also doubles as one of the area’s most intimate listening venues. Because of the size of the venue, reservations are highly recommendeded especially if you’d like to enjoy a meal before the show! For more information, visit www.theshoeless.com.

Joanna Chapman-Smith – The Interview

Nov 08 2014

Joanna Chapman-Smith may be based in Toronto, but with familial roots in Canada, the U.S., New Zealand, Italy and Brazil, and a touring schedule that has taken her across the world she has a diversity of life experience that not only comes through in her body of recorded work but also points towards an exciting and very creative future. Her most recent album “Love Me Deeply” only came out in 2013, however she is already preparing to head back into the studio to record a folk-tale album with Ken Whiteley in the producer’s chair. As well her own career as a singer-songwriter, Joanna is also the founder of Songbirds Travelling Music School, which delivers music, vocal and creative workshops into far-flung under-supported communities of Canada. We caught up with her at the recent Folk Music Ontario conference. Music: “Pick Me Up” (Live), “Cry For The Departed” (Live), “Goose Girl” (Live), “Melodies” (Live), “Paris” from “Love Me Deeply” (2013, Wound Up Records).

Playlist: Episode 173

Nov 03 2014

Folk Roots Radio on November 1 2014 (Episode 173) featured interviews with Ted Ferris from Cambridge Live Music (Cambridge Ontario) discussing their live local music awareness program and Taylor Ashton from Fish & Bird discussing their latest release “Something In The Ether”. As always, we wrapped it all up with a new mystery theme, guilty pleasure and, of course, lots of great music.

Nov 01 2014

In this audio documentary we step inside the Youth Program at the 2014 Folk Music Ontario (FMO) Conference. The program is open to residents of Ontario and the National Capital Region, between ages 15 and 21, who are chosen for their interest, ability and experience. The selected youth members are paired with experienced mentors from the Ontario folk music community for the duration of the weekend conference, while developing a showcase performance and participating in professional development activities. The documentary features commentary and musical contributions from programme coordinator Treasa Levasseur, mentors David Newland, Melanie Brulée, Drew Gonsalves, Tannis Slimmon and Brian Kobayakawa; as well as youth members Jazmine Wykes, Campbell Woods, Martine Fortin, Annie Sumi and Benjamin Rogers. For more information on the Folk Music Ontario Youth Program visit folkmusicontario.ca. Photo credit: Mike Bourgeault. Music: Treasa Levasseur “Shine Your Light” from “The Memphis Sessions” (2013, Self), David Newland “I Saw the Light” from “Give It A Whirl” (2012, Self), Melanie Brulée “Wonder” from “Sucré/Salé” (2012, Self), Kobo Town (Drew Gonsalves) “Mr. Monday” from “Jumbie In The Jukebox” (2012, Cumbancha), Tannis Slimmon “Do What You Do” from “In & Out Of Harmony” (2013, Self), Brian Kobayakawa “Indeed Indeed” (Demo), Jazmine Wykes “Laura’s Song” (Demo), Campbell Woods “Mad Trapper” (Demo), Martine Fortin “Qui est c’est fille?” (Demo), Annie Sumi “Life Like That” (Demo), Benjamin Rogers “Wayfarer” & “Pendulum” from “Wayfarer” (2014, Self).

Fish & Bird’s Taylor Ashton – The Interview

Nov 01 2014

Fish & Bird are a five piece alt. folk – roots band, featuring songwriter Taylor Ashton (vocals, banjo), Adam Iredale-Gray (fiddle, vocals), Ryan Boeur (electric and acoustic guitars), Ben Kelly (drums) and Zoe Guigueno (upright bass, vocals). They will be in Guelph for a Folk Roots Radio promoted CD launch for “Something In The Ether” at Silence, 46 Essex St on Wednesday November 12 2014. The support act will be Guelph’s own Tannis Slimmon. I had the privilege of introducing Fish & Bird at the Kingsville Folk Music Festival this summer, and they put on a fabulous show. Their performance at Kingsville was especially memorable in that they earned, that rare distinction, a festival main stage encore. The Silence show starts at 8 p.m. (doors 7:30 p.m.) Tickets four the Guelph show are $20 in advance ($25 at the door). Advanced tickets may be purchased online from Ticket Scene here. Silence is a fully accessible concert venue. We caught up with Taylor Ashton earlier this week. Music: Fish & Band, “Something In The Ether” , “Lost” and “Go-To-Bed Light” from “Something In The Ether” (2014, Fiddle Head Records).

Cambridge Live Music

Oct 30 2014

Cambridge Live Music (ClM) are a group of music lovers passionate about the local live music scene in Cambridge, Ontario. Their mission is simple – to raise awareness of the incredibly talented artists who perform live music, of any genre, within their own “Music City” – Cambridge!. CLM publishes a free Live Music calendar on their website at cambridgelivemusic.com as well as via the monthly Live Music poster displayed in almost every local live music venue, as well as select local businesses. Ted Ferris from CLM joined us in the studio to chat about this important local music awareness project. Music: Jesse Parent, “Good To You” from “Good To You” EP (2009, Self); Dan Walsh, “Stayin’ Low” from “Outta The Jam” (2013, Self)

Playlist: Episode 172

Oct 30 2014

Folk Roots Radio on October 25 2014 (Episode 172) was built around a feature-length interview with Tara MacKenzie, Trevor MacKenzie and Mike Weir from the MacKenzie Blues Band at the Folk Music Ontario (FMO) conference. The interview also included five songs from their great new album, “Slam Bam!”. The first of many interviews we recorded at this year’s conference, I think it is also one of our best. Check it out here as part of this weekend’s show or elsewhere on this site.

MacKenzie Blues - Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Oct 23 2014

The MacKenzie Blues Band are one of the hottest bands out of Owen Sound. Featuring the powerhouse vocals of Tara MacKenzie alongside the guitar of Trevor MacKenzie with Joel Dawson on bass and Mike Weir on drums they were voted best new artist or group at the 2014 Maple Blues Awards. They released their sophomore album, “Slam! Bam!”, an album of dark and spiritual but ultimately uplifting blues earlier this year. We caught up with band members Tara MacKenzie, Trevor MacKenzie and Mike Weir at the Folk Music Ontario conference for a feature length conversation. Photo: Jason Ruznak. Music: MacKenzie Blues Band – “Down With Love (Slam! Bam!)”, “Move On”, “Bone Cage”, “Spiritual Power” and “Higher Road” from “Slam! Bam!” (2014, Self)

David Sereda – The Interview

Oct 22 2014

David Sereda is a singer, songwriter, actor, pianist, composer, voice coach, producer and educator. He has written musicals, released CDs, and performed at many music festivals across Canada. And, he was one of the first openly gay recording artists in Canada, with his first release, “Chivalry Lives” coming out in 1981. His last CD, “The Blue Guide” (re-released in 1996) looked at love and loss, and the journey of a relationship from infatuation to devotion to the death of the beloved. His upcoming album, “Boyfriend”, is a collection of songs about finding a way to love, and live after a world-shaking loss. David will be playing a show in Guelph on Friday October 24 at Magnolia Café with Tyler Wagler on double bass, who will also perform an opening set. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15 at the door. Magnolia Café is a licensed cafe and restaurant that also doubles as one of the area’s most intimate listening venues. Because of the size of the venue, reservations are highly recommendeded especially if you’d like to enjoy a meal before the show! We caught up with David at home in Port Dalhousie. Music: David Sereda, “Beyond The Shadow” (single), David Sereda & Echo Women’s Choir, “When The Tide Goes Out” (Live Demo) and David Sereda, “Beyoutiful” (Demo)

Playlist: Episode 171

Oct 21 2014

DJ MacDee stepped up for another Folk Roots Radio fill-in on October 18 (Episode 171) while we were at the 2014 Folk Music Ontario Conference in Toronto. You’ve listened to the show, now enjoy his playlist!

Oct 16 2014

Gathering Sparks, the wonderful new trio featuring Eve Goldberg, Jane Lewis, and Sam Turton will be appearing at Cafe Pyrus in Kitchener ON on Thursday October 23 at 7:30 p.m. Gathering Sparks embrace blues, gospel, folk, and pop while delivering engaging songs on acoustic and slide guitar, piano, accordion, ukulele, and banjo. Their debut 6-song CD, released in April 2014, has just been nominated for a 2014 Canadian Folk Music Award for “Vocal Group of the Year”. Whether they are singing an a capella sea shanty, busting out kazoos for a jazzy swing tune, getting down and low with the blues, or leading a well-known classic, Gathering Sparks performances make fans out of listeners with their stellar harmonies and fine musicianship. The cover is $6-10 (sliding scale) and the opening set will be by Glenn Chatten. Music: Gathering Sparks, “I Ain’t Finished With This Journey Yet’ from Gathering Sparks (2014, Self).

John Mann at Elora Centre for the Arts

Oct 15 2014

John Mann will be at the Elora Centre for the Arts for a solo performance on Saturday November 8 at 8:00 p.m. John will be playing songs from his latest album “The Waiting Room” which came out early this year. The album features a set of heartfelt songs written about his experience battling rectal cancer, a disease he successfully overcame. Tragically, however, John announced in Spetember that he has now been diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. John’s response to this turn of events has been very positive and inspiring with no indication that he will allow this new diagnosis to shape his life more than it needs to.

Trevor Gordon Hall “Mind Heart Fingers”

Oct 15 2014

Trevor Gordon Hall has just released “Mind Heart Fingers”, the follow up to 2011’s “Entelechy”. We had a chance to chat with Trevor shortly before his appearance at this past summer’s Mariposa Folk Festival. If you love rich, creative guitar music with a twist, you’ll love Mind Heart Fingers. Check out the video of Trevor playing acoustic guitar on the beautiful “The Blue Hour”. I’ll admit that my knowledge of acoustic guitar tunings is rudimentary – however, for guitar aficionados, this song is apparently played in Nashville or high strung tuning (using only octave strings from a 12 string pack). This beautiful instrumental album was recorded during the summer of 2014 by Grammy Winning Producer Will Ackerman. You can find it in all of the usual places, including, for a physical copy, on CDBaby. For more information: visit trevorgordonhall.com.

Shane Jacob Philips “Social Justice & Peace”

Oct 15 2014

Shane Jacob Philips releases his excellent new album, “Social Justice & Peace” with a show at The Cornerstone, Guelph on November 8 at 9 p.m. Social Justice and Peace features seven songs with a social conscience intended to provoke the listener to question the current direction we are moving in. As a committed social activist, Philips walks the talk, even if that means walking 102 km straight over 29 hours to deliver a message about water issues to the Ontario Minister of the Environment. Featuring Shane Philips trademark soulful vocals within laid-back folk-style arrangements that allow the lyrics to breath, it is not just a great album but also one where the lyrics deserve closer scrutiny. Music: Shane Jacob Philips, “Freedom” from “Social Justice & Peace” (2014, Self).

Playlist: Episode 170

Oct 14 2014

Folk Roots Radio on October 11 2014 (Episode 170) was broadcast live from the Guelph Farmers Market as part of CFRU 93.3fm’s annual Raise Your Voice funding drive. In honour of Thanksgiving (Canadian), this week’s show also featured a Canadian and close to home music mix alongside feature interviews with Guelph-based musicians Nicole Ensing (with The Wild Oats) and Tyler Wagler.

Oct 10 2014

The Guelph Celtic Orchestra open their 2014/15 season with a performance featuring a CD release party for one of the top fiddlers in the world, Shane Cook accompanied by Jake Charron. The show takes place on November 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Guelph Little Theatre, 176 Morris Street in Guelph. Advance tickets are $20 ($30 at the door), children $12 ($22 at the door) and are available from [email protected] and in person at Janus Books, 10 Paisley Street, Royal Plaza. The Guelph Celtic Orchestra features professional and amateur musicians who are passionate about traditional Celtic music. The ensemble features a large fiddle section, guitars, accordion, piano, flutes, whistle, and double bass, and is also accompanied by award-winning step dancers. Following the GCO performance, Shane Cook and Jake Charron will take to the stage for the CD release of their new duo album “Head to Head”. Shane Cook is a three-time Canadian Open National Champion, a three-time Canadian Grand Masters Champion, a Grand North American Champion, and the only foreign fiddler to win the US Grand National Championship. Jake Charron is continuing to build a reputation as one of Canada’s finest accompanists. For more information, visit guelphceltic.ca. Music: Shane Cook & Jake Charron, “Ontario Tunes (Sir Wilfred Laurier,/Timbertown/Snowflake Breakdown/Whitefish In The Rapids)” from “Head to Head”.

Nicole Ensing – The Interview

Oct 10 2014

Nicole Ensing is a Guelph Ontario-based pianist and vocalist. Classically-trained, in recent years she has also developed her folk side as pianist in the Celtic band The Wild Oats. Along with her love of jazz and pop, this combination of influences yields an appealing knack for catchy, well-crafted keyboard lines that draw freely on jazz stylings and folk charm. Nicole has just released her debut album based on the poetry of G.K. Chesterton “Riddles and Creeds” on Chanter Records. Backing Nicole are Sam Fitzpatrick on upright and electric bass, Brian Bork on guitar and Joel Sypkes on drums. On Riddles and Creeds, Nicole and producer Ross McKitrick have taken some of the vivid poems of English writer and poet G.K. Chesterton (29 May 1874 – 14 June 1936) , a formative influence on both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and created songs that explore themes of the magic of life, spiritual search, and friendship. The Riddles and Creeds CD release takes place on Sunday November 2 at The Albion (Upstairs) 49 Norfolk St, Guelph at 7:30 p.m., cover $10 at the door. Nicole Ensing and Ross McKitrick joined us in the studio for a feature length conversation about the new album. Music: Nicole Ensing Band, “Child Of The Snows”, “A Second Childhood”, “The Aristocrat”, “The Great Minimum” and “The Rolling English Road” from “Riddles & Creeds” (2014, Chanter Records)

Tyler Wagler – The Interview

Oct 09 2014

For over a decade Tyler Wagler has been a coveted sideman in Canadian folk, roots, reggae and rock music. He has been busy playing guitar, bass and mandolin with artists such as The Human Rights, David Sereda, Friendly Rich and The Lollipop People and many more. Since relocating to Guelph from Toronto, Wagler has performed with such prominent locals as Bry Webb, Tannis Slimmon, Alysha Brilla and Jessy Bell-Smith, as well as releasing two solo EPs and a full length disc with modern jazz trio Hammerton/Wagler/O’Neill. His latest EP, “4 Songs”, is an intimate, stripped down affair, framed by warm double bass, a creaking upright piano and contributions from some of the finest musicians in the folk and indie communities. Tyler Wagler will be appearing at Magnolia Café, 88 Yarmouth Street Guelph with David Sereda on Friday October 24. Tyler Wagler joined us in the studio to chat about his music. Music; Jessy Bell-Smith, “Deep Water” from The “Town” (2014, Self); Tyler Wagler, “Rooster” from “4 Songs EP” (2014, Self); Tyler Wagler, “Lines Written In Early Spring” from “Tyler Wagler EP” (2011, Self); David Sereda, “Beyond The Shadow” (Single) (2013, Self); Tyler Wagler, “Blazing Waters” from “4 Songs EP” (2014, Self); Tyler Wagler, “Enemy” from “4 Songs EP” (2014, Self)

Fish & Bird – Guelph CD Release

Oct 06 2014

Fish & Bird will be bringing their refreshing take on folk music to Guelph for a Folk Roots Radio promoted CD launch of their new album “Something In The Ether” at Silence, 46 Essex St on November 12 2014. The support act will be Guelph’s own Tannis Slimmon. I had the privilege of introducing Fish & Bird at the Kingsville Folk Music Festival this summer, and they put on a fabulous show. Their performance at Kingsville was especially memorable in that they earned, that rare distinction, a festival main stage encore. The Silence show starts at 8 p.m. (doors 7:30 p.m.) Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door). Advanced tickets may be purchased online here. Silence is a fully accessible concert venue. Music: Fish & Band, “Something In The Ether” from “Something In The Ether” (2014, Fiddle Head Records).

Playlist: Episode 169

Oct 06 2014

Folk Roots Radio on October 4 (Episode 169) featured interviews with Ottawa-based singer-songwriter Lynne Hanson about her new album “River Of Sand”, and California-based film & TV composer turned singer-songwriter Ernest Troost about his recent album “O Love”.

Oct 05 2014

Singer/songwriters David Sereda and Tyler Wagler will be sharing the bill at Magnolia Café, 88 Yarmouth Street in Guelph on Friday October 24. Singer/songwriter David Sereda will be playing his debut solo show in Guelph. Possessed with a captivating voice, Sereda blends folk, gospel, soul and pop with a restless flair. He will be joined for this performance by Tyler Wagler on double bass. Tyler will also perform an opening set, promoting his soon to be released solo EP 4 Songs, accompanied by Thom Hammerton on keys. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15 at the door. Magnolia Café is a licensed cafe and restaurant that also doubles as one of the area’s most intimate listening venues. Because of the size of the venue, reservations are highly recommendeded especially if you’d like to enjoy a meal before the show! Read More

Lynne Hanson – The Interview

Oct 03 2014

If you like your Americana rough around the edges you’ll love Ottawa-based singer-songwriter Lynne Hanson‘s new roots album “River Of Sand”. River Of Sand, produced by fellow singer-songwriter Lynn Miles, was four years in the making, and contains some very personal songs, that speak to the challenges we all face on this road called life. As a live artist, Lynne Hanson has been gaining rave reviews for her polished performances whether playing solo or with her band The Good Intentions. We caught up with Lynne at home in Ottawa. Music: Lynne Hanson, “River of Sand”, “Heaven and Hell” and “Trading in my Lonesome” from “River of Sand” (Continental Sound City, 2014)

Ernest Troost – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 02 2014

“If the Carter Family, Robbie Robertson and Alfred Hitchcock had written songs together, they might sound like this.” That’s how L.A. based Ernest Troost introduces himself in concert. What makes him so remarkable is that he’s a late arrival on the folk scene. After studying jazz guitar and classical music at Berklee College of Music, Ernest built a career as an award-winning TV and Film composer in Hollywood, working on the cult classic Tremors, HBO’s A Lesson Before Dying, many Hallmark Hall of Fame specials and, more recently, the Campbell Scott indie film Crashing, which features the title track from Troost’s album “All the Boats Are Gonna Rise”. Along the way he composed, arranged and produced two albums of lullabies for Judy Collins. Ernest started making a name for himself as a singer-songwriter when he picked up the guitar in 2004; and in 2009 he was named a New Folk Winner at the famed Kerrville Folk Festival. His latest album, “O Love”, is already creating quite a buzz within the folk community. An album of real Americana, it features widescreen story songs alongside beautiful and heartfelt love songs. Showcasing a variety of styles from Piedmont blues through waltzes and the odd bit of rock n’roll, O Love is an album that will surely feature in many people’s best of the year. We tracked him down for an interview, at home in California. Music: Ernest Troost, “Old Screen Door”, “Harlan County Boys” and “The Last Lullaby” from “O Love”. (Travelling Shoes Records, 2014)

Playlist: Episode 165 Redux

Sep 29 2014

Folk Roots Radio on September 27 (Episode 165) featured one of our best recent editions, our end of the festival season show from August 30 2014. Unfortunately I was struck down with a virus on the way back from a short family break to Florida. That will teach me to think about taking a holiday!

Archive - 2014

The Hello Strangers – The Interview

The Shoeless at Magnolia

Joanna Chapman-Smith – The Interview

Playlist: Episode 173

Folk Music Ontario Youth Program 2014

Fish & Bird’s Taylor Ashton – The Interview

Cambridge Live Music

Playlist: Episode 172

The MacKenzie Blues Band – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

David Sereda – The Interview

Playlist: Episode 171

Gathering Sparks at Cafe Pyrus

John Mann at Elora Centre for the Arts

Trevor Gordon Hall “Mind Heart Fingers”

Playlist: Episode 170

Guelph Celtic Orchestra with Shane Cook & Jake Charron

Nicole Ensing – The Interview

Tyler Wagler – The Interview

Fish & Bird – Guelph CD Release

Playlist: Episode 169

David Sereda & Tyler Wagler

Lynne Hanson – The Interview

Ernest Troost – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Playlist: Episode 165 Redux